Mr. Salazar introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To amend the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 to explain the purpose and provide for the administration of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge.

1.

Purpose and management of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge

Section 6 of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 410hhh–4) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

by striking (a) Establishment.—(1) When and inserting the following:

(a)

Establishment and purpose

(1)

Establishment

(A)

In general

When

;

(B)

in paragraph (2), by striking (2) Such establishment and inserting the following:

(B)

Effective date

The establishment of the refuge under subparagraph (A)

; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Purpose

The purpose of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge shall be to restore, enhance, and maintain wetland, upland, riparian, and other habitats for native wildlife, plant, and fish species in the San Luis Valley.

;

(2)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

by striking The Secretary and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

The Secretary

; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Requirements

In administering the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable—

(A)

emphasize migratory bird conservation; and

(B)

take into consideration the role of the Refuge in broader landscape conservation efforts.

; and

(3)

in subsection (d)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end;

(B)

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

use decreed water rights on the Refuge in approximately the same manner that the water rights have been used historically.